President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of May 21 met with Republic of Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore and Mrs. Compaore, and shortly thereafter with Republic of The Gambia Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy. The meetings were held at the Presidential Office. President Compaore and Vice President Njie-Saidy are in Taiwan for the inauguration ceremonies of the twelfth-term president and vice president of the ROC (Taiwan). President Ma extended a warm welcome to the guests and thanked them for making the long journey to Taiwan.
President Ma lauded President Compaore for his excellent reputation at home and in the international community. He noted that Burkina Faso won a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and plays an important role on the international stage. The president said that while the ROC (Taiwan) and Burkina Faso are separated by a large distance, Burkina Faso has consistently been a staunch supporter of Taiwan. President Ma said he admires and appreciates the efforts made by Burkina Faso on behalf of Taiwan.
Speaking about bilateral cooperation projects, one of which involves construction of a modern hospital, President Ma said the Taiwan government is pleased to do whatever it can to assist the people of this diplomatic ally. The president said that in the past he made a visit to the Solomon Islands and toured the Central Hospital built there with assistance from Taiwan. While the hospital is already 20 years old, it is still that nation's largest medical facility and provides quality medical care to that nation's population.
In addition to expressing his congratulations to President Ma, President Compaore also thanked the president for the warm reception he has received. He reiterated that Burkina Faso will stand together with Taiwan. President Compaore also expressed his satisfaction with the state of bilateral cooperation, adding he feels that the cooperative relations between Taiwan and Burkina Faso set a good model for international cooperation.
Shortly thereafter, President Ma, in the company of Vice President Vincent C. Siew, met with The Gambia Vice President Njie-Saidy and a delegation from that nation. President Ma thanked the visitors from bringing with them friendship from The Gambia, adding that he will work to further strengthen relations between the two countries in the future. President Ma also expressed his confidence in a number of infrastructure projects being carried out in The Gambia, saying he hopes the two countries are able to engage in cooperation in order to improve the wellbeing of the people of The Gambia.
Vice President Njie-Saidy also presented President Ma a letter from The Gambia President Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh. In addition to expressing his remorse over the untimely death of Liao Fung-te (who was to serve as Interior Minister in President Ma's government), President Jammeh mentioned his interest in various assistance by Taiwan. In responding to the letter, President Ma said he would ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other related agencies to study and then draft a formal reply. He said that Taiwan is more than happy to discuss with The Gambia various cooperation and assistance projects that would help the people of that nation.
The two groups of visitors were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco H. L. Ou. Also in attendance was National Security Council Secretary-General Su Chi.